Georgina Puma

Georgina Puma is a coffee producer operating the Monte Verde farm, located in the mountainous terrain of Santa Ana within the Cusco region of Peru. Her work has gained recognition in the specialty coffee sector, particularly through her cultivation of the Gesha coffee variety. This specific garden is noted for its small scale and its unique microclimate, which allows for a dense forest canopy that provides significant shade to the coffee trees while maintaining the conditions necessary for high-quality production.

The Monte Verde farm sits at an elevation of approximately 2,030 meters above sea level. This high-altitude environment is a critical factor in the development of the coffee cherries, contributing to the complex, well-defined flavor profiles that have become associated with Puma's harvests. The region of Santa Ana, Cusco, is increasingly highlighted in specialty circles for its ability to produce exceptional lots that stand out for their clarity and aromatic qualities.

In practice, Puma utilizes a washed processing method for her Gesha crops. This traditional approach is favored for its ability to highlight the inherent characteristics of the variety, resulting in a cup profile often described as having notes of apple blossom, mandarin, and blueberry. The meticulous nature of her small-scale production allows for a high degree of control over the harvest and processing stages, ensuring that the final product meets the rigorous standards required by specialty roasters.

For the specialty coffee industry, the emergence of producers like Georgina Puma represents the growing potential of the Cusco region. While Peru has a long history of coffee production dating back to the 1700s, much of the industry has historically been characterized by smallholder farmers with limited access to modern infrastructure. The focus on high-value varieties like Gesha by individual producers signifies a shift toward quality-focused agriculture that can provide greater economic sustainability for small-scale farmers.

Georgina Puma's coffee has been featured by specialty roasters such as SEY Coffee, which has highlighted her Monte Verde Gesha in their offerings. These partnerships are essential for connecting smallholder farmers to international markets that value traceability and unique cup quality. By focusing on specific, high-quality lots, producers like Puma are able to differentiate their output from the more common, bulk-commodity coffee that has historically dominated the Peruvian export market.

The story of Monte Verde is emblematic of the broader trends in Peruvian coffee, where producers are increasingly leveraging unique microclimates and specific varieties to gain recognition. As the specialty market continues to prioritize transparency and direct relationships, the work of producers like Georgina Puma serves as a benchmark for the quality potential of the Cusco region. Her continued presence in the specialty supply chain underscores the importance of small-scale, high-altitude farming in the global coffee landscape.